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Stobart wrote to BFB employees In May, saying the company
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"very much regrets having to take this action, but the current economic conditions are such that we have no alternative".
The letter also stated: "You will be paid for all your time worked up to today. This payment will reach your bank account no later than Friday 22 May."
Fast-forward half a year and staff are now angry at BFB for non-payment. Barlow says she was forced to use money put aside for a holiday to tide herself over, and It took her six weeks to find a new job.
Kevin Lawton claims he is owed 210,000, and he has employed the services of a lawyer in order to retrieve his money. His tribunal was scheduled for 16 October, but this has now been postponed. "There's disappointment because there's been no communication whatsoever," he says. "My redundancy alone is £8,750. With holiday pay and 30 days notice, it will be more than £10,000. The tribunal has told me to put any claim to the insolvency people."
However, he adds: "Fortunately, I was only out of work for three weeks. I'm not on as much money as before, but at least it's a job."
Responding to staff comments, Stobart says: "If it makes them feel any better, the biggest loser was myself, You reported that there is a £1,4m debt, well two-thirds of that is my debt. I syrnpathise with them, but there was nothing else we could do. It's sad for everyone; I am not trying to make it sound easier."